Cricket news: England vs Zimbabwe - Preview of the one-off Test match
England will host Zimbabwe for a one-off Test match on Thursday at Trent Bridge, in preparation for the host’s five-match Test series later on in the summer against India.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Dejan Johal gives us a preview of this one-off Test for the Three Lions, looking at certain key players who may stand out in this match.
A preview of the Test match
The England Cricket team face Zimbabwe on Thursday in a four-day Test match live on Sky Sports.
Preparations continue for Brendon McCullum and the Three Lions with the five-match Test series against India shortly approaching, as well as the Ashes later on in the year.
With the team already announced for Thursday’s Test match, all eyes will be set on certain individuals who may stand out in this Test match.
A debutant in the bowling attack
Many ex-cricket players and fans have discussed what England’s bowling lineup will be for the Test series against India and Australia.
However, the ECB selectors have decided to hand a debut in this Test match to 27-year-old Sam Cook, who will be looking to make a big impact in this one-off game.
The Essex seam bowler has been rewarded with his first England cap for taking 321 first-class wickets in 89 games at an average of 19.85.
Shortly after the announcement, Cook told the reporters: “It is every cricketer's dream to pull on a Test shirt for England. I never considered it had passed at any point.”
Cook joins a pace-bowling attack which also features both Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue, who makes his first appearance for England in nearly two years after suffering hamstring and pectoral injuries.
These three will look to make maximum impact in this Test, in the hopes that the selectors continue to pick and use them following this game.
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Key look into the batting
England opener, Zak Crawley retains his position as an opener, alongside Ben Duckett, despite only averaging 8.66 in England’s series win against New Zealand in December.
Meanwhile, Jamie Smith is set to make his return as the wicket-keeper batsman.
His inclusion in the team means that Ollie Pope reverts back to the number three position, with Jacob Bethell - who shone in the New Zealand series - currently playing in the IPL for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Meanwhile, the two staples of England’s batting lineup, Joe Root and Harry Brook, continue to occupy the number four and number five position for England in this Test match and most likely for the upcoming series as well.
A return for England’s captain
The Zimbabwe Test will be Ben Stokes’ first competitive game since reaggravating a hamstring problem whilst bowling in New Zealand.
Brendon McCullum has said that he will monitor the workload of the captain as a busy year lies ahead in English cricket.
McCullum has also said that he has ‘never seen Stokesy look fitter,’ and also expects that he will bowl but most likely not for long spells.
Eyes will be fixed once again on the England cricket team for Thursday’s game, as the Barmy Army expects England to convincingly defeat Zimbabwe and continue to progress towards the India series, and then the big one down under.
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